LifeBUILDERS founders Larry and Marilyn Johnson discovered an unmet need for people who were rebuilding their lives. What they discovered after years of volunteering for other organizations was that people who entered the “real world” after spending time in transitional housing would only end up back where they started a short time later. There was a missing step, a pre-release if you will, a step that would involve living on your own but surrounded by encouragement and guidance.

LifeBUILDERS began in 2005 as a place where people in transition could get all-encompassing help reaching their goals.  LifeBUILDERS focus was to provide encouragement, instruction, healthy relationships, transportation, employment and guidance to people in a Christian community.

What started as a small building on Kelly Street has now grown into a community with 2 full apartment buildings, 4 single family homes and a resale shop. Many of these properties were formerly drug dens.  Neighbors have not only appreciated the efforts of LifeBUILDERS, they have joined in and become passionate about reclaiming our community from negative forces.

The early focus on adults quickly expanded to children and youth in response to the hunger and need for guidance and opportunity.   Youth programs that teach the word of God like KidBUILDERS and H2O have grown exponentially in recent years and have led to increased opportunities for kids through summer camps, workforce training and more.

What makes LifeBUILDERS a community however, is not the buildings or the programs, but the relationships.  LifeBUILDERS continues to expand and evolve in response to the spiritual and physical needs that are experienced or shared firsthand…in real relationships.